City of Boulder Opens Request for Proposals for Boulder Civic Area Development Partnership

The City of Boulder is inviting qualified development teams to submit proposals for a partnership with the city to develop city-owned properties at the East Bookend of the Civic Area. This opportunity represents a significant investment in the future of the Civic Area and aims to create a vibrant, mixed-use destination that serves the Boulder community and visitors for decades to come.

The partnership will focus on the Civic Area’s “East Bookend,” a block bounded by 13th and 14th streets and Canyon Boulevard and Arapahoe Avenue. The area is home to the Dushanbe Tea House, Boulder County Farmers Market and the historic Storage & Transfer Building (currently home to the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art) and is adjacent to Boulder Creek Park and within walking distance of the Pearl Street Mall and the University of Colorado Boulder campus.

“This opportunity builds on the community’s vision for the Civic Area’s future based on the planning analysis and community feedback from the 2015 Civic Area Plan,” said Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde, City Manager. “We’re looking for a partner with the experience and creativity to help bring that vision to life through thoughtful development that supports economic vibrancy, arts and culture and welcoming public spaces. This work also closely aligns with the goals of the Facilities Strategic Plan by consolidating city-managed buildings and creating spaces that serve the community.”

The East Bookend vision includes a mix of public, community and private spaces that reflect Boulder’s character through:

• Community gathering: Creating welcoming spaces that foster connection, activity and year-round community use.
• Local business and retail: Supporting entrepreneurship while showcasing Boulder's natural foods industry, Boulder County Farmers Market, and local businesses.
• Arts and culture: Expanding opportunities to experience Boulder’s thriving creative community and arts and cultural offerings.
• Recreation and Connection to Nature: Building on Boulder’s nationally recognized outdoor recreation opportunities and active lifestyle.

Through this partnership, the city aims to draw on a development partner’s expertise to advance the project vision, incorporate arts and cultural programming and support year-round operations of the Boulder County Farmers Market. The selected partner will also bring experience with complex mixed-use projects, securing investment and managing active public spaces.

The city is also inviting partners to propose development of city-owned properties at the Civic Area’s “West Bookend,” currently home to the West Age Well Center and two vacant residential buildings. Proposals for the West Bookend are optional.

The Request for Proposals (RFP) builds on a Request for Information (RFI) issued earlier this year that helped the city understand market interest and inform the development of this solicitation. Participation in the RFI is not required to submit a proposal for the RFP process. Proposals must be submitted through Bidnet by Oct. 30, 2026 at 4 p.m.

For more information, visit the project webpage.